Police don’t have the power to randomly stop people over stay-at-home order

The Ontario government says police don’t have the authority to randomly stop residents to ensure they’re following the stay-at-home order.

Under the order, which came into effect on Thursday, Ontarians are to go out only for essential purposes. The province has not defined essential, but includes things like healthcare, food and exercise.

This is all in an effort to bring down soaring COVID-19 cases and ease the strain on the healthcare system.

A spokesman for Solicitor General Sylvia Jones says the order doesn’t give police the power to enter homes or stop vehicles solely to check if the measure is being followed.

Several police forces say they are still reviewing details of the measure.

Answers to frequently asked questions about Ontario’s new stay-at-home order